Notice of Intent to Sole Source Thermal Analysis Instrumentation Service

The document outlines a service agreement for thermal analysis instrumentation maintenance and calibration at the NIST Gaithersburg campus, specifically for a differential scanning calorimeter and a thermogravimetric analyzer by TA Instruments. The contractor is tasked with providing unlimited service visits, one annual preventive maintenance visit for each instrument, and necessary repairs, ensuring compliance with manufacturer specifications. The contract spans 12 months, encompassing regular business hours for operations. Key responsibilities include updating software, cleaning, inspecting, and calibrating instruments, as well as providing emergency support for failures. Any off-site repairs are the contractor's responsibility, including shipping costs and proper packaging. Regular reports detailing service performed and parts replaced are required within three business days post-service. The contractor must comply with NIST's safety and security protocols for access to the campus, ensuring all service personnel are trained and certified by the manufacturer. This agreement is vital for maintaining the functionality of equipment critical to research in high-strength polymers and electronics packaging under the CHIPS program.